THREE people have died in two separate accidents in a week of tragedy on Ellesmere Port roads.

At 11.15pm on Saturday, 20-year-old Richard Gill, of The Boulevard, Great Sutton, and Peter Dignam, 16, of Beechfield Road, Ellesmere Port, were killed when the motorcycle they were riding left the road before ploughing into a tree on Thornton Road.

And at 6.10pm on Thursday, 80-year-old Bridgit Warman was involved in a collision with a Renault hatchback car as she crossed the road near to her home in Overpool Road.

Paramedics rushed her to the Countess of Chester Hospital but she died later from her injuries.

Cheshire Constabulary spokesman Rick Hollinshead said: "The collision in which Richard Gill and Peter Dignam were killed happened after they failed to negotiate a left-hand bend on the black Honda H100 motorcycle they were riding. The machine collided with a tree.

"Both young men died at the scene as a result of head injuries and evidence would indicate they were not wearing crash helmets. The motorcycle had been reported stolen prior to the crash and we are keen to hear from anyone who can help us with our enquires.

He added: "The accident which claimed the life of Mrs Warman occurred while she was crossing the carriageway of Overpool Road. It appears she stepped into the path of a Renault hatchback and the driver was unable to avoid her.

"Despite the efforts of ambulance service personnel she died shortly after arriving at the Countess of Chester Hospital. We now want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision and would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch.